Hyderabad Birla Mandir, Telangana

Address

Birla Mandir, Hill Fort Rd, Ambedkar Colony, Khairtabad, Hyderabad, Telangana 500004 Phone: 040 2323 3259

Deity

Lord Venkateswara Amman: Padmavati

Introduction

• Location: Birla Mandir, a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, stands atop a 280-foot-high hillock called Naubath Pahad in Hyderabad, Telangana. Spread over a 13-acre plot, the temple is part of a series of Birla Mandirs constructed across India by the Birla Foundation. It took ten years to complete, and it was inaugurated in 1976 by Swami Ranganathananda of the Ramakrishna Mission.

Puranic Significance

• Architectural Style: The temple is a striking blend of Dravidian, Rajasthani, and Utkala (Oriya) architectural styles, making it a unique example of Indian temple architecture. Constructed with 2000 tons of pure white marble, the temple showcases intricate craftsmanship. The main deity, Lord Venkateswara, is enshrined as an 11-foot-tall granite idol, crowned with a carved lotus canopy.
• Temple Atmosphere: Unlike many traditional temples, Birla Mandir does not have bells. This decision was influenced by Swami Ranganathananda, who envisioned the temple as a serene space conducive to meditation.
• Shrines for Various Deities: Besides the main shrine of Lord Venkateswara, the temple complex houses separate shrines for the Lord’s consorts, Goddess Padmavati and Andal. Other shrines in the temple are dedicated to deities such as Shiva, Shakti, Ganesha, Hanuman, Brahma, Saraswati, and Lakshmi, offering devotees a space to worship multiple deities. The temple also features a brass flagstaff that rises 42 feet high.
• Cultural and Musical Influence: The serene atmosphere of the temple is often filled with the sacred kirtanas of revered saints like Tyagaraja, Annamayya, and Ramadasu, adding to the temple’s spiritual ambiance. The temple’s design incorporates both Utkal (Oriya) and South Indian architectural elements. The Rajagopuram (entrance tower) is an example of South Indian style, while the Jagadananda Vimanam (main tower above the shrine) follows the Oriya style.
• Sculptures and Epics: The temple complex is adorned with beautifully sculpted marble panels that depict scenes from India’s two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, making it not only a place of worship but also a celebration of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Special Features

• Granite Idol of Lord Venkateswara: The presiding deity, Lord Venkateswara, stands at an impressive 11 feet in height, carved from granite. His consorts, Padmavati and Andal, are housed in adjoining shrines, and they are worshipped with equal reverence.
• Buddha Shrine and Frescoes: A temple dedicated to Buddha is also part of the complex, featuring fresco paintings that depict significant moments from the Buddha’s life. This further emphasizes the temple’s inclusive nature.
• Other Shrines: Birla Mandir includes shrines dedicated to several other Hindu deities, including Lord Shiva, Ganesh, Saraswati, Hanuman, Brahma, Lakshmi, and Sai Baba, reflecting its all-encompassing approach to spirituality.

Century/Period/Age

500 Years old

Nearest Bus Station

Hyderabad

Nearest Railway Station

Hyderabad

Nearest Airport

Hyderabad

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